Catalog Archive
Auction 103, Lot 63

"Comet Melcher Anno 1680 and 1681 beobachtet morden", Zahn, Johannes

Subject: Celestial - Comets

Period: 1696 (published)

Publication: Speculae Plysico-Mathematico Historicae…

Color: Hand Color

Size:
12.2 x 7.5 inches
31 x 19.1 cm
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Handsomely engraved chart of the 'Great Comet of 1680' showing it's movements though the heavens. Details its relative location for approximately 50 days as it moved through the constellations and planets of the Northern Hemisphere. Also shows the Tropic of Cancer, the Equator and the planetary ellipse. The extent and direction of the tail are shown for about 20 of those days. Edmund Halley observed this comet at the young age of 24, which inspired him to devote much of his life to studying and developing theories on them. A scarce well-rendered copper engraving.

References:

Condition: A

Beautiful example on a full sheet with wide margins. Crisp, dark impression.

Estimate: $600 - $800

Sold for: $350

Closed on 6/11/2003

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